been reading lots of info around the site about the uses and benefits of epsom salt. I would like to use it as a supplement for my plants in the tank but i keep reading that long term use of salt is bad for betta's. What it doesn't say is it AQ salt or ES that is bad for long term use? also would using ES long term help with preventing fin rot?

ES won't prevent or cure fin rot. It does aid with digestion though. Yes, it could in theory be used long term in a planted tank without harming the betta. AQ salt however cannot be used long term and should not be used in planted tanks.

Remember that the tank your fish lives in is his or her's whole world. Ask yourself this question, and answer it honestly: would you choose to live there?

"A horse does nor care how much you love him until he knows how much yo care"
Bettas: Moonlight Full White Full Moon Male_____Crystall Full White Full Moon Female
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Best way to prevent fin rot and other health problems-is to keep stress factors under control to support the immune response- by maintaining the water quality, proper stocking and good nutrition.

Using either aquarium salt or Epsom salt will not prevent fin rot.

With that said, using Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) at low dose for plants or long term for chronic buoyancy problems IMO/E is safe. I use Epsom salt on occasion in my planted tanks and have kept Bettas with chronic buoyancy issues in Epsom salt for years without any issue.

Aquarium salt (sodium chloride) is a great product to use for the right reason, dosage and duration. Long term use with Betta can cause kidney damage, osmotic issues and resistant issues and not recommend to use long term.

For long term preventatives for the fish, I would use Vita Chem and/or IAL. Personally, I find Epsoms annoying to have to dissolve and add each water change - and it leaves behind a residue that needs to be cleaned off more often. I have a fish with chronic bloating issues... And I just personally find the epsoms more annoying than anything.

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